Fishing and Fish Species

Fishing is closely regulated in the French Riviera to ensure a balanced ecosystem. This means there's always an abundant supply of fish to go round come fishing season! Naturally, where you choose to fish will determine what your catch is like. However, the species most commonly caught are the rainbow trout, fountain salmon and pike.

River / Lake

Interestingly, the rivers and lakes of the French Riviera are divided into the première catégorie and the seconde catégorie. The former is made up of waters that are inhabited by the protected salmonids (i.e. salmon, trout, freshwater whitefish and char). The latter category, on the other hand, includes rivers, lakes and canals which contain other species like chub, pike, carp, roach, grey mullet and perch.

Coastline

The Cote d'Azur is dotted with many beaches and piers along its coast. So those of you who don't want to venture out to sea, yet do not have much of a taste for freshwater fish can try your hand at shore fishing.

Three of the more popular techniques employed in coastal fishing are :

• (1) Trolling
  A baited fishing line is dragged along the seashore - usually from the back of a slow-moving boat - to draw in European Seabass (Loup in French), bonitos and amberjacks.
• (2) Jigging
  In this method, a fishing lure is jerked around the water to attract groupers and amberjacks.
• (3) Berley / Chum fishing
  Although this is a type of big game fishing (think tuna), mackerels and bonitos are known to take the bait too.

Deep Sea

Passionate fishermen, who desire a more authentic fishing experience, can always seek out the services of experienced boatmen for a foolproof fishing expedition. Although most people venture out with great hopes of reeling in tuna and swordfish, species like marlin, albacore, dolphin fish (mahi-mahi in Tahitian) and sea breams would still be considered a great catch.

But before you cast your line, wait! There's something you need to do first. Fishing without a license in France is against the law, so make sure you apply for the necessary permit(s) way beforehand. And don't forget to carry your Carte de Pêche with you on your big trip!